Decorative mirror unit

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a decorative mirror unit ( 1, 100, 200 ) and to a method of fabricating the decorative mirror unit. A decorative mirror unit ( 1, 100, 200 ) comprises a mirror ( 2, 202, 302 ) and at least one sheet of glass ( 8, 28, 208 ) spaced in front of the mirror ( 2, 202, 302 ) by spacer means ( 10, 210, 310 ), and a plurality of decorative elements ( 20 - 24; 30, 32; 120 - 124; 130, 132 ) applied to the glass ( 8, 28, 208 ) by an adhesive means ( 25, 31, 125, 131 ), characterized in that at least one decorative element has been applied to each surface on opposite sides of the glass ( 8, 28, 208 ) by said adhesive means ( 25, 31, 125, 131 ), said decorative elements ( 20 - 24; 30, 32; 120 - 124, 130, 132 ) on opposite sides of the glass ( 8, 28, 208 ) aligning to conceal at least partially the adhesive means ( 25, 31, 125, 131 ) between at least one of the decorative elements ( 20 - 24; 30, 32; 120 - 124; 130, 132 ) and the glass ( 8, 28, 208 ).

[0001] This invention relates to a decorative mirror unit and to amethod of fabricating the decorative mirror unit.

[0002] Compared with plain mirrors, decorative mirror units arerelatively uncommon. One type of decorative mirror unit that has beenknown for many years employs two parallel sheets of mirrored float glassspaced apart in a frame. The inner, or rear mirror is fully reflecting,and the outer, or front mirror is partially reflecting, so that theviewer sees multiple superimposed images, for example of himself, fadingoff to infinity.

[0003] A more recent variant of this type of mirror is disclosed inpatent document U.S. Pat. No. 5,137,761, in which a third sheet of clearglass is held parallel between the two mirrors. The clear glass hasclear, coloured or reflective glass stones adhered to one surface of theglass, with a clear u-v curable adhesive. The glass stones can createinteresting optical effects by splitting up light incident on thestones, both as viewed directly, and in the multiple images seen in therear mirror.

[0004] A simpler version of a decorative mirror unit is disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 5,139,828. This unit has one fully reflecting mirror infront of which is spaced in parallel one sheet of clear glass to whichcut glass stones have been adhered with a clear u-v curable glue. Thestones may be lit from the sides, again to provide interesting opticaleffects owing to scattering and diffraction of light from the stones.

[0005] In both cases, the glass stones are provided only on an internalsurface of the unit so that they are protected from dirt, which wouldotherwise interfere with the optical effects.

[0006] An important feature of these prior art decorative unitsincorporating glass stone decorative elements is that the u-v adhesiveis transparent so that it does not interfere with the optical effects.Glass stones can be provided with a very flat side to be affixed to theflat float glass so as to mimimise the amount of adhesive to be used.But it can be difficult to apply the transparent u-v adhesive in such away that no bubbles are trapped whilst at the same time minimising anyexcess of adhesive pressed out around the edges into an unsightly beadaround the decorative glass.

[0007] Whilst such decorative mirrors provide interesting opticaleffects, they effectively are limited in the type of decorative elementsthat may be applied, i.e. being limited to clear, coloured or reflectiveglass stones adhered on an inner protected surface of the unit with anoptically clear adhesive.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a decorativemirror unit that addresses such limitations.

[0009] Accordingly, the invention provides a decorative mirror unit,comprising a mirror and at least one sheet of glass spaced in front ofthe mirror by spacer means, and a plurality of decorative elementsapplied to the glass by an adhesive means, characterized in that atleast one decorative element has been applied to each surface onopposite sides of the glass by said adhesive means, said decorativeelements on opposite sides of the glass aligning to conceal at leastpartially the adhesive means between at least one of the decorativeelements and the glass.

[0010] The glass will normally be a single unbroken sheet of glass,usually clear float glass. The decorative elements may be any type ofdecorative element that can be applied to glass. One type of decorativeelement is a strip of lead-alloy. These strips may have for conveniencea self-adhesive backing. Areas between the strips, or between the stripsand the edges of the window can be coloured by affixing a convenientlyself-adhesive coloured plastic film, which can be transparent ortranslucent. The coloured film may be affixed first, so that the stripsmay be applied to cover the edges of the film, or the coloured film maybe affixed on the opposite side to the strips, which then act as atemplate to guide placement of the film. Other type of decorativeelements may also be applied, such as moulded, beveled or cut glassfixed in place, for example, by u-v curable glue. All such suitableitems that may be affixed to a sheet of glass are referred to herein as“decorative elements”.

[0011] The adhesive means may be a bond between the decorative elementand the glass, for example when the decorative element is a paint orresin applied to the glass. In this case the decorative elements concealat least partially an adhesive interface between the decorative elementand the glass. This is particularly effective when the resin is appliedas a bead to the glass, the bead having a convex outer surface and aflat adhesive interface. The flat adhesive interface can then beconcealed by another similar bead applied to the opposite surface of theglass.

[0012] Alternatively, the adhesive means may comprise an adhesive layerbetween at least one of the decorative elements and the glass, saiddecorative elements on opposite sides of the glass aligning to concealat least partially said adhesive layer.

[0013] The invention therefore provides a wide latitude in the selectionof adhesive means, and in general removes the requirement for there tobe an optically clear or invisible adhesive interface. The adhesivemeans may therefore be optically imperfect, for example opaque,translucent, or contain visible defects, such as striations, bubbles orother imperfections in the adhesive interface with the glass. Such anoptically imperfect adhesive means is best concealed when the decorativeelements are optically non-transparent, i.e. opaque or at leasttranslucent to some degree.

[0014] Adhesive means as viewed directly will, in general, be morenoticeable than adhesive means as viewed in a reflected image, becausethe light will have crossed through less thickness of glass. Preferablythough, the decorative elements on opposite sides of the glass align toconceal at least partially the adhesive means both as viewed directlyand in the image reflected from the mirror.

[0015] There may, of course, be a slight view of adhesive means affordedthrough the thickness of the glass, if the decorative elements are notviewed straight on, but at a substantial angle. However, typical sheetglass is relatively thin, for example about 4 to 6 mm thick, and typicaldecorative elements are in most cases wider than this thickness. Thedecorative elements on opposite sides of the glass therefore in mostcases will prevent a direct view of most of the adhesive means. Inaddition, when the decorative elements are non-transparent, i.e.translucent or opaque, the decorative elements will in normal lightingconditions cast a shadow between the oppositely aligned decorativeelements, and this will tend to obscure or de-emphasize any slight viewof the adhesive means that could be visible when the decorative unit isviewed at a substantial angle.

[0016] The minimum angle at which decorative elements may be viewed inthe reflected image will in general be less shallow than what may beviewed directly. Nevertheless, it is preferable if decorative elementson opposite sides of the glass align to conceal at least partially theadhesive means in the image reflected from the mirror.

[0017] The mirror may be a conventional highly reflecting mirror formedfrom float glass, but could be any other reflecting surface in which animage may be seen, such as mirrored smoke coloured glass, a two way orpartial mirror, or a polished metal mirror. Normally, both the mirrorand the sheet of glass will be flat and parallel with each other.However, one or both of the mirror and the glass could be curved, and itis not necessary for the mirror and glass sheet to be exactly parallel.

[0018] In alternative embodiments of the invention, the mirror isconcave or convex so as to respectively magnify or de-magnify said atleast one decorative element spaced in front of the mirror. Inparticular, the de-magnifying effect can be quite striking, as thisenhances the sense of depth between the decorative elements of the sheetof glass, and the image of the decorative elements visible in themirror.

[0019] The mirror unit may be any type of portable or fixed unit, suchas framed mirror suitable for mounting or hanging on a wall, a mirror ina frame adapted to be permanently set into an item of furniture such asa table top. In one application, the decorative mirror unit according tothe invention may be used as part of a structure, for example a buildingor a conservatory, having one or more window or door apertures. At leastone decorative mirror unit may then be provided within such an aperture,for example being set into a wall, door, ceiling panel or window frame.

[0020] Separating the mirror from the decorated glass surface provides anumber of significant advantages. Firstly, the decoration is preferablyapplied to a glass surface before the glass and mirror are broughttogether in spaced apart relationship. This permits the use ofconvenient techniques in applying the decorative elements, using atemplate behind the glass to guide the placement of the decorativeelements on the surface of the glass. Secondly, problems are encounteredif the decorated glass is placed directly against the mirror, in anattempt to minimize or eliminate any gap between the glass sheet and themirror. One of these problems is that, in practical terms, it is verydifficult to get an optically satisfactory interface between a sheet ofglass and another very smooth surface such as a glass or metal mirrorsurface. Unless index matching gel is applied between the surfaces,there may be some small layer of trapped air, for example due to dust orother imperfections, of the order of 1 μm thick, which can causeinterference effects with visible fringes. This would ruin theappearance of the mirror. Another of these problems is that condensationof atmospheric moisture is bound to occur in any small gap between thesesmooth surfaces, which could permanently affect the transmission oflight across the gap.

[0021] In most cases, it is preferred if the gap is at least 0.5 mm.This separation is sufficient so that for a mirror of average dimensionsof 1 m², the glass and mirror surfaces will remain separated, even ifmoderate pressure is applied externally to the unit.

[0022] Larger units may require greater separations, but for mostmirrors, it is preferred if the separation is no more than about 25 mm.At this separation, and taking into account any thickness of glasssubstrate for the mirror itself, the virtual image of the decorationproduced by the mirror will be at least 50 mm behind that of the realimage of the decorated glass sheet. Unless the mirror unit isparticularly large, a greater separation of the real and virtual imagesmay result in loss of usable mirror area, or a confusing and unpleasingvisual effect, particularly when it is desired to see one's image in themirror.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the spacer meansextends fully around the periphery of the sheet of glass so that thesheet of glass and mirror form a sealed unit. The spacer means thenseals the unit. This has the advantage that conventional, low costsealing strips may be used, such as those employed in the double glazingindustry and sold by Tremco Limited under the registered trade markSwiggle Strip. These strips permit the mirror and one or more glasssheets to be bonded into a fixed, spaced apart relationship, whilst atthe same time incorporating a desiccant to prevent condensation fromdeveloping in the gap between the mirror and the glass sheet, or betweenthe glass sheets.

[0024] In another embodiment of the invention, there are two sheets ofglass to which decorative elements have been applied, one sheet of glassbeing spaced by spacer means between the other sheet of glass and themirror. In this way, it is possible to build up quite complicatedpatterns, without the need to apply multiple layers of decoration to onesheet of glass. The inner layer of glass sheet may also be provided withmore delicate decorative elements, since the outer glass sheet wouldprotect these.

[0025] The decorative mirror unit may also be adapted to present apseudo-three-dimensional image of a recognizable object, for example abuilding, a person's portrait, an item of furniture, etc. This may beachieved if at least one decorative element applied on one surface ofthe sheet of glass presenting an image of a front surface of therecognizable object, and said at least one decorative element applied tothe opposite surface of the sheet of glass presents an image of a rearsurface of the same recognizable object, so that both the front and rearsurfaces of the recognizable object may be viewed simultaneously in thedecorative mirror unit.

[0026] One way in which the decorative elements may be applied is withthe use of a template patterned with guidelines. The template cab bepositioned under a horizontal sheet of clear glass, and left in placeduring the application of one or more decorative elements. This methodof manufacture is efficient and reliable, but only works if the sheet ofglass is transparent or translucent to the extent that the pattern onthe template can be discerned. It would therefore not possible to usethis method of fabrication with the sheet of mirrored glass to applydecorative elements directly onto the glass, because the templatepattern could not be seen.

[0027] Also according to the invention, there is provided a method offabricating a decorative mirror unit from a mirror, at least one sheetof glass, a spacer means and a plurality of decorative elements,characterized in that the method comprises the steps of:

[0028] a) aligning the or each sheet of glass with respect to a templatepattern visible through the glass;

[0029] b) applying with adhesive means at least one decorative elementto a first surface of the glass according to the template pattern;

[0030] c) applying with adhesive means at least one decorative elementto a second surface of the glass opposite to the first surface so thatdecorative elements on opposite sides of the glass align to conceal atleast partially the adhesive means between at least one of thedecorative elements and the glass; and

[0031] d) using the spacer means to set a spacing between the or eachsheet of glass and the mirror.

[0032] When decorative elements are being applied to the said oppositesurface of the sheet of glass, the decoration of the first side of theglass sheet may conveniently be used as a template. In this way,decorative elements have applied to the said opposite surface of theglass may be aligned with those on the first side to conceal at leastpartially the adhesive means.

[0033] The spacer means may be used not just to set the spacing, butalso to seal the unit.

[0034] The invention will now be further described, by way of example,with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0035]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a decorative mirror unit inaccordance with a first embodiment of the invention;

[0036]FIG. 2 is a cross section through line II-II of the decorativemirror unit of FIG. 1;

[0037]FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of part of FIG. 2;

[0038]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a decorative mirror unit inaccordance with a second embodiment of the invention;

[0039]FIG. 5 is a cross section through line V-V of the decorativemirror unit of FIG. 4;

[0040]FIG. 6 is a cross section through a decorative mirror unit inaccordance with a third embodiment of the invention; and

[0041]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a structure incorporating a numberof decorative mirror units in place of conventional exterior glasspanels.

[0042]FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 show a decorative mirror unit 1. The unit has aconventional mirror 2, made from 4 mm thick clear float glass 4 ontowhich an aluminium reflector layer, with protective backing, 6 has beendeposited. The mirror faces towards a parallel front sheet of 4 mm thickclear float glass 8. The mirror 2 and the front glass sheet 8 arerectangular in shape, about 300 mm wide by about 400 mm tall.

[0043] A conventional Swiggle Strip (Registered Trade Mark) spacer 10extends around the full rectangular periphery of the unit, holding andsealing the mirror 2 and front glass 8 together in a parallel spacedapart relationship. The spacer provides a 10 mm separation. The volume12 between the mirror 2 and front glass 8 may optionally be filled withargon gas prior to sealing together the mirror 2 and front glass 8, inorder to provide enhanced thermal insulation properties, for example ifthe unit 1 is to be used in place of an external window. The spacer 10includes a metallic rigid element 14 and a desiccant (not shown) to helpprevent any condensation within the unit 1.

[0044] Self adhesive tape 15 is wrapped around the periphery of the unit1 to provide an additional layer of protection to the spacer 10. In use,this tape layer 15 would be hidden from view by a frame or other mountaround the unit 1.

[0045] The front glass 8 has a number of decorative elements applied toboth the outside 16 and inside 18 surfaces of the glass 8. Some of theelements are self-adhesive strips of metal 20-24, 120-124, each 5 mmwide and about 1 mm thick, aligned on directly opposite areas of theglass 8. The total thickness of the unit 1, including decorative strips,is therefore about 19 mm. This is compact enough so that the unit may beused in many situations, such as a frame similar to a conventionalmirror frame, or a conventional window frame.

[0046] In the example illustrated, the strips divide the glass surfaces16,18 into rectangular areas. Other elements are self-adhesivetranslucent coloured plastic films 30,32 adhered to the outer glasssurface 16. Optionally, similar coloured plastic films 130,132 may beadhered to the inner glass surface 18, directly opposite the outerplastic films 30,32.

[0047] Each decorative element is provided with adhesive means by whichthe decorative elements are applied to the sheet of glass 8. As can beseen best in FIG. 3, the coloured plastic films 30,130 each have anadhesive means in the form of a tacky clear or translucent coating31,131. Although not illustrated, the coating 31,131 before applicationto the glass is covered by a peel-off layer that may be removedimmediately before applying the film to the glass surface 16,18.

[0048] The metal strips 20,120 also have an adhesive means 25,125 in theform of an opaque, white, foam-like, and highly sticky backing thatcovers nearly all of the back surface of the strips, stopping short ofthe exposed long edges of each strip. It should be noted that the opaquefoam backing would be visually distracting from the decorative patternif it were plainly visible.

[0049] Although not illustrated, the backing 25,125 before applicationto the glass is covered by a peel-off strip that may be removedimmediately before applying the strip to the glass surface 16,18, insuch a way to overlap edges of the decorative film 30,130.

[0050] The strip backing 25,125 provides a higher adhesion per unit areathan the film coating 31,131, and therefore helps to anchor the areas ofcoloured plastic film 30,130 in place.

[0051] When the front of the mirror unit 1 is viewed other thanperpendicularly, the mirror provides a virtual image of the decorativeelements 20-24, 120-124, 30,32, as can be seen in FIG. 1. This providesa pleasing sense of depth.

[0052] Because the inner metal strips 120-124 are juxtaposed between theouter metal strips 20-24 and the mirror, separated only by the thicknessof the front glass 8, the outer metal strips 20-24 effectively blockmost of the view of the adhesive backing holding the inner strips120-124 to the glass inner surface 18.

[0053] The inner strips 120-124 also effectively block most of the viewof the adhesive backing holding the outer strips 20-24 to the glassouter surface 16 in the image visible in the mirror 2.

[0054] Similarly because the coloured films 30,130 are applied oppositeto each other, these films 30,130 effectively blocks a view, eitherdirect or reflected, of the adhesive coating of the other coloured film30,130.

[0055] Of course, unless the films 30,130 are opaque, it may be possibleto see defects in the adhesive layer, particularly in the adhesive layer31 of the outermost area of coloured film 30. But because the colouredfilms 30,130 are not totally clear, there is still some improvement inthe visual appearance of the films, either viewed directly, or in theimage reflected in the mirror 2.

[0056] If however, the coloured film adhesive layer has an acceptableappearance, being free for example of visible defects such asstriations, occlusions or bubbles, then it may not be necessary to havefilms applied to opposite areas of glass, and the film may then beapplied either on just the inner or outer surfaces 16,18. In cases whereit is preferred to protect the film from the environment or fromscratching, the decorative film may be applied on just the inner glasssurface 18, inside the sealed unit.

[0057] The unit is manufactured as follows. First, the mirror 2 and thesheet of glass 8 are cut from sheet stock to the same size, and cleaned.Then a paper template (not shown) having a pattern corresponding to thedesired decoration is placed underneath the glass sheet 8, and thedecorative elements 20-24, 30,32 are applied to the free surface 16 ofthe glass 8. Decorative elements 120-124 are then applied to the othersurface 18 of the sheet of glass, directly opposite in alignment withthe decorative elements on the opposite side of the glass.

[0058] The mirror 2 and the glass sheet 8 may then be bonded together,using the spacer strip 10, and with an optional fill of argon gas in thevolume 12 inside the unit 1. An adhesive tape 15 is then wrapped aroundthe peripheral sides and edges of the unit, to provide a degree ofprotection for the spacer 10, and also to cover over sharp exposed edgesand corners of the glass 8 and mirror 2.

[0059] Finally, the unit 1 may be mounted in a frame (not shown)suitable for the use to which the mirror will be put, for example as adecorative mirror fixed in a wall, or hanging freely from a wall.

[0060] A second embodiment of a decorative unit 100 is illustrated inFIGS. 4 and 5. The unit 100 comprises all the components of the firstembodiment 1 described above, for which the same reference numerals areused in the drawings. The second embodiment 100 has the addition of asecond sheet of glass 28 spaced in front of the sheet of glass 8, bymeans of spacer element 210,214, thus enclosing a volume 212 between theinner 8 and outer 28 sheets of glass. Two decorative strip elements220,221 are applied on the outer surface 216 of the outer glass sheet28, and two similar strips 320,321 are applied directly opposite theouter strips 220,221 in a similar manner to that described above. Tape215 is then wrapped around the four edges of the decorative unit 100.

[0061] The use of the two sheets of glass 8,28 provides a greater senseof depth, particularly as the viewer will see a total of four levels ofdepth in the pattern, including the two sets of reflected images.

[0062] A third embodiment 200 is illustrated in FIG. 6. Here thedecorative unit has one circular sheet of glass 208 to which decorativeelements 201,203 have been applied on directly opposite areas of theglass 208. A peripheral circular Swiggle Strip (trade mark) spacerelement 310,314 holds the glass 208 in a fixed spaced apart relationshipwith a circular mirror, which may be a convex mirror 202. In analternative variant, the mirror may be a concave mirror 302, drawn inFIG. 6 in phantom. In each case, the mirror 202,302 is formed from 4 mmthick glass 204,304 with a conventional aluminium reflector with anouter protective layer 206,306. The assembly is then held together withtape 115 wrapped around the circular periphery of the decorative unit200.

[0063] The effect of the convex and concave mirrors 202,203 isrespectively to demagnify or magnify the image of the decorativeelements 201,203 as viewed in the mirror.

[0064] The decorative mirror unit may be made in a wide range of shapesor sizes, and have multiple decorated sheets of glass spaced from themirror, depending on the use for which the mirror is intended. Thespacing of the sheet or sheets from the mirror may be chosen to achievethe desired effect of depth. A curved mirror may be used to provideinteresting optical effects. The seal between the glass and mirror helpsto keep the mirror surface inside the unit clean and free fromcondensation, and also protects more delicate decorative elements insidethe mirror from damage or wear. The use of decorative elements appliedon directly opposite portions of the glass makes it easier to hide anyoptical imperfections or distractions stemming from the adhesive layers.The continuous sheets of glass held together by the spacer have astrength far in excess of traditionally leaded glass, and together arealso more robust and secure than a single sheet of comparable mirrorglass.

[0065]FIG. 7 shows how a decorative unit according to the invention mayform part of a structure, for example a house, office, or shop, beingheld in a window or door aperture, either internally or externally. Inthe particular example illustrated, the structure is a conservatory 70,which may be an extension to a house 72. Such conservatories commonlyhave external wall surfaces such as a door 75, walls 76-79 and a ceiling80-84 that are made predominantly from double glazed glass panels heldtogether within apertures defined by a framework 85. Decorative unitsaccording to the invention may be used economically as a directreplacement to such glass panels. In the illustrated example, panels77,79,82 and 84 have been replaced with such decorative units, with thedecorative unit being arranged to face inside. In order to provideenvironmental protection from the elements it will in general benecessary to provide a protective coating on the side of the decorativepanels facing outside.

[0066] This provides a number of significant benefits. First, thedecorative unit may be located so as to block an otherwise unappealingview. Second, the decorative unit will have superior insulatingproperties on account of the radiant heat reflected back into thestructure from the mirror reflector layer. Third, the decorative unitmay provide colour and decoration in a predominantly glass structurewhich is otherwise not easy to decorate. Fourth, because the mirror maybe completely opaque, the decorative unit may be positioned so as tolimit the amount of sunlight that would enter the structure in thesummer months, thereby keeping the structure cooler in the summer.Fifth, the use of decorative reflective panels in a relatively smallstructure as a conservatory, can provide an impression of increasedspace.

1. A decorative mirror unit (1,100,200), comprising a mirror (2,202,302)and at least one sheet of glass (8,28,208) spaced in front of the mirror(2,202,302) by spacer means (10,210,310), and a plurality of decorativeelements (20-24;30,32;120-124;130,132) applied to the glass (8,28,208)by an adhesive means (25,31,125,131), characterized in that at least onedecorative element has been applied to each surface (16,18) on oppositesides of the glass (8,28,208) by said adhesive means (25,31,125,131),said decorative elements (20-24;30,32;120-124;130,132) on opposite sidesof the glass (8,28,208) aligning to conceal at least partially theadhesive means (25,31,125,131) between at least one of the decorativeelements (20-24;30,32;120-124;130,132) and the glass (8,28,208).
 2. Adecorative mirror unit (1,100,200) as claimed in claim 1, in which theadhesive means comprises an adhesive interface between at least one ofthe decorative elements and the glass (8,28,208), said decorativeelements on opposite sides of the glass aligning to conceal at leastpartially said adhesive interface.
 3. A decorative mirror unit(1,100,200) as claimed in claim 1, in which the adhesive means comprisesan adhesive layer (25,31,125,131) between at least one of the decorativeelements (20-24;30,32;120-124;130,132) and the glass (8,28,208), saiddecorative elements (20-24;30,32;120-124;130,132) on opposite sides ofthe glass (8,28,208) aligning to conceal at least partially saidadhesive layer (25,31,125,131).
 4. A decorative mirror unit (1,100,200)as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the decorative elements(20-24;30,32;120-124;130,132) on opposite sides of the glass (8,28,208)align to conceal at least partially the adhesive means (25,31,125,131)both as viewed directly and in the image reflected from the mirror(2,202,302).
 5. A decorative mirror unit (1,100,200) as claimed in anypreceding claim, in which the spacer means (10,210,310) extends fullyaround the periphery of the sheet of glass (8,28,208) so that the sheetof glass and mirror (2,202,302) form a sealed unit.
 6. A decorativemirror unit (100) as claimed in any preceding claim, in which there aretwo sheets of glass (8,28) to which decorative elements(20-24;120-124;130,132,220,221,320,321) have been applied, one sheet ofglass (8) being spaced by spacer means (10,210) between the other sheetof glass (28) and the mirror (2).
 7. A decorative mirror unit (200) asclaimed in any preceding claim, in which the mirror is concave (302) orconvex (202) so as to respectively magnify or de-magnify said at leastone decorative element (201,203) applied on one surface of the sheet ofglass (208) spaced in front of the mirror (202,302).
 8. A decorativemirror unit (1,100,200) as claimed in any preceding claim, in which saidat least one decorative element applied on one surface of the sheet ofglass (8,28,208) presents an image of a front surface of a recognizableobject, and said at least one decorative element applied to the oppositesurface of the sheet of glass (8,28,208) presents an image of a rearsurface of the same recognizable object, so that both the front and rearsurfaces of the recognizable object may be viewed simultaneously in thedecorative mirror unit (1,100,200).
 9. A structure (70) comprising oneor more window or door apertures (75-84), in which there is at least onedecorative mirror unit (77,79,82,84) within an aperture, said decorativemirror unit (1,100,200) being as claimed in any preceding claim.
 10. Astructure (70) as claimed in claim 9, in which the aperture (75-84) isin an external surface of the structure, the decorative unit(77,79,82,84) being arranged to face inside and having on the sidefacing outside a protective coating (6,206,306) on the rear surface ofthe mirror to provide protection for the mirror (2,202,302) from theelements.
 11. A method of fabricating a decorative mirror unit(1,100,200) from a mirror (2,202,302), at least one sheet of glass(8,28,208), a spacer means (10,210,310) and a plurality of decorativeelements (20-24;30,32;120-124;130,132), characterized in that the methodcomprises the steps of: a) aligning the or each sheet of glass(8,28,208) with respect to a template pattern visible through the glass(8,28,208); b) applying with adhesive means (25,31,125,131) at least onedecorative element to a first surface of the glass (8,28,208) accordingto the template pattern; c) applying with adhesive means (25,31,125,131)at least one decorative element (20-24;30,32;120-124;130,132) to asecond surface of the glass (8,28,208) opposite to the first surface sothat decorative elements (20-24;30,32;120-124;130,132) on opposite sidesof the glass (8,28,208) align to conceal at least partially the adhesivemeans (25,31,125,131) between at least one of the decorative elementsand the glass (8,28,208); and d) using the spacer means (10,210,310) toset a spacing between the or each sheet of glass (8,28,208) and themirror (2,202,302).
 12. A method of fabricating a decorative mirror unit(1,100,200), as claimed in claim 11, in which step d) includes the stepof: e) using the spacer means (10,210,310) to seal the unit (1,100,200).13. A method of fabricating a decorative mirror unit (1,100,200), asclaimed in claim 11 or claim 12, in which steps b) and c) comprise thestep of: f) applying decorative elements (20-24;30,32;120-124;130,132)to the opposite surfaces of the glass (8,28,208) in such a way as toconceal at least partially the adhesive means (25,31,125,131) both asviewed directly and in the image reflected from the mirror (2,202,302).14. A method of fabricating a decorative mirror unit (1,100,200), asclaimed in any one of claims 11 to 13, in which there are two sheets ofglass (8,28,208), comprising the step of: g) using spacer means(10,210,310) to space one sheet of glass (8,28,208) between the othersheet of glass (8,28,208) and the mirror (2,202,302).